Caprine Mastitis Research Articles

Characterization of β-glucan obtained from Candida albicans of caprine mastitis

Background: Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a polysaccharide containing β-glycosidic bonds that is an important structure part of different yeast cells. Aim: The purpose of the study is to characterize β-glucan that obtained from Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolated from caprine mastitis. Methods: The β-glucan was extracted by using utilizing an Alkaline-acidic extraction technique. The dry weight of extracted β-glucan was 7.47/150 gm with 4.98%. Results: The findings demonstrated that the extracted β-glucan had similarity in the primary peak 5.78 of liquid samples using the method of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) when compared to the standard form of β-glucan. However, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies revealed which the standard of β-glucan was distinct in morphology but similar to β-glucan isolated from C. albicans in terms of particle sizes in the range of 1.60-2.65 m and the lack of cell wall traces. The findings of an investigation using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) of extracted and standard β-glucan, showed the principal elements discovered were carbon (C), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N). Aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), nickel (Ni), and gold (Au) were also present, but in less amounts. Conclusion: The extracted β-glucan displayed a high degree of similarity and purity to the standard β-glucan, according to the findings of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) research.

Individual genomic loci, transcript level, and biochemical profile of immune and antioxidant markers associated with genetically identified bacterial mastitis in Shami goats in Egypt.

Mastitis in goats is unquestionably a grave concern, with far-reaching implications for both animal well-being and productivity, while also presenting a potential threat to public health. The study aimed to compare culture methods and multiplex PCR (m-PCR) in the detection of the most three common mastitis-causing pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus spp.) and investigate the gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serum concentrations of immunological and antioxidant indicators linked to mastitis in Shami goats. One hundred Shami do (50 Shami goats with clinical mastitis and 50 normal goats taken as control group). The culture methods and m-PCR analysis were used to find the bacteria in the milk samples. Blood samples were obtained to assess some hemato-biochemical parameters, detect SNPs, and determine the expression of certain immunological and antioxidant indicators in the genes. The culture method detected the pathogens causing mastitis in 90% of the milk samples, but m-PCR detected them in 100% of the milk samples. SNPs linked to mastitis resistance/susceptibility in examined does were detected through DNA sequencing of immunological and antioxidant indicators. The magnitude of gene expression varied significantly between the resistant and mastitis-affected groups. Significant (P ˂ 0.05) elevations were noticed in WBCs count, mainly neutsrophils count, serum levels of BHB, NEFA, triglycerides, LDL-C, AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, total protein, globulin, Ca, K, GPx, MDA, acute phase proteins, and cytokines in mastitis affected does as compared to control. While RBCs count, PCV%, lymphocytes count, serum concentration of glucose, cholesterol, HDL-C, albumin, Na, Cl, P, GSH, SOD, and catalase significantly (P ˂ 0.05) diminished in mastitis affected does compared to healthy ones. APPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines scored high sensitivities and NPVs but TNF-α and serum amyloid A (SAA) had the highest percentages of increase. The study confirmed that m-PCR is the most sensitive method for bacteria identification (S. aureus, E. coli, and Strept. spp.) while SNPs in antioxidant and immunological genes may be important genetic indicators for mastitis risk or resistance in Shami does. To establish an effective management plan and forecast the most sensitive risk time for illness onset, gene expression profiles of the tested genes may also be employed as proxy biomarkers. TNF-α and SAA may be precious indicators for the detection of caprine mastitis.

Caprine mastitis caused by Geotrichum sp – case report

In contemporary times, mastitis occupies a prominent place for its economic and public health importance, causing direct losses on production costs and losses in milk quality. This study aimed to analyze aspects related to mycotic mastitis caused by the fungus of the genus Geotrichum sp. In the available literature, few reports incriminate this pathogen as the causative agent of mastitis, however, it is among the causative microorganisms. It is concluded that control and prevention measures, including environment, animal health and milking management, should be given special attention by producers, as they are measures that reduce cases of mastitis and consequently reduce costs with treatments and animal disposal.

Susceptibility of caprine mastitis pathogens to tildipirosin, gamithromycin, oxytetracycline, and danofloxacin: effect of serum on the in vitro potency of current macrolides

Mastitis is a significant disease in dairy ruminants, causing economic losses to the livestock industry and severe risks to public health. Antibiotic therapy is one of the most crucial practices to treat mastitis, although the susceptibility of caprine mastitis pathogens to current antibiotics has not been tested under standard or modified incubation conditions. This work evaluated the in vitro activity of tildipirosin, gamithromycin, oxytetracycline, and danofloxacin against caprine mastitis pathogens incubated following standard conditions of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and deviation method by 25% supplementation with goat serum. Mycoplasma agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) were isolated from dairy goats with mastitis in Spain. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution technique. The lowest MIC90 under standard conditions was obtained with danofloxacin for mastitis-causing pathogens. An exception was M. agalactiae, where danofloxacin and oxytetracycline obtained low values. However, after adding serum, gamithromycin showed the lowest MIC50 for S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., and CNS. The lowest MIC50 was obtained with all the antibiotics tested (< 0.125 µg/ml) against M. agalactiae. Supplementing with serum resulted in a significant variation in tildipirosin and gamithromycin MIC values for CNS, S. aureus, M. agalagtiae, and E. coli. In brief, the MIC for antibiotics used against mastitis should be determined under conditions closely resembling intramammary infections to obtain representative susceptibility patterns against mastitis pathogens. Caprine mastitis pathogens were broadly susceptible to danofloxacin under standard conditions. The potency of macrolides against caprine mastitis pathogens increases when serum is present in culture media.

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles and Gentamicin Against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Caprine Mastitis

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The goal of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficiency of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus that can form biofilms. The characterization of AgNPs‎ was confirmed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) which was spherical and homogenous in form, with a diameter between 25 and 45 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) presented the size of AgNPs to be 50 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to examine the presence of elemental silver. The three-dimensional structure of silver nanoparticles was discovered using an atomic force microscope (AFM), with a diameter of 47.18 nm on average. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of AgNPs and gentamicin against S. aureus isolated from caprine mastitis were determined using the microdilution assay. The checkerboard microdilution technique was utilized to inspect the synergistic antibacterial activity of AgNPs with gentamicin utilizing the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The antibiofilm capability of AgNPs was also investigated. The results indicate that AgNPs generated by biosynthesis are antibacterial against S. aureus. Moreover, AgNPs and gentamicin exhibit synergistic action. The study's findings suggest that biogenic AgNPs may act as anti-biofilm agents and treat mastitis caused by S. aureus. In conclusions biosynthesized AgNPs exhibit strong antibacterial and antibiofilm effectiveness and synergistic activity when combined with gentamicin.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Caesalpinia Sappan L. against Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Subclinical Bovine and Caprine Mastitis

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Caesalpinia sappan L. hearth wood extract against Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CNS) causing subclinical mastitis in dairy cows and goats. Seventeen and thirty CNS isolates were isolated from bovine and caprine mastitis samples, respectively. The phytochemicals tests performed on aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. sappan heartwood presented total phenolic (150 and 187 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (28 and 21 mg RE/g dw), tannins, alkaloid, saponin, and steroid. The extracts were used to determine the antibacterial effect on CNS using disc diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods. The aqueous extract and ethanol extract of C. sappan contained effective compounds, including phenol, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, saponin, and steroid. Ethanol extract of C. sappan had a greater content of phenol, while aqueous extract of C. sappan had a greater content of flavonoid. Ethanol extracts of C. sappan showed the strongest inhibition on the CNS isolated from bovine (14.3-21.0 mm) and caprine (24.3-30.0 mm). The antimicrobial activity of ethanol C. sappan extract showed significantly higher than aqueous extract against bovine CNS (8.0 to 14.7 mm) and caprine CNS (22.3 to 29.0 mm). The C. sappan ethanol extract had the best MIC and MBC of bovine CNS (6.24 mg/mL) and caprine CNS of (1.56 mg/mL). The ethanol extracts of C. sappan showed strong antimicrobial effects against CNS isolated from both bovine and caprine mastitis.

Pathological evaluation of mastitis in goats and changes in milk composition

A study was aimed to evaluate the pathological alterations in caprine mastitis, its associated risk factors along with compositional changes in milk. Based on history, clinical signs, alteration in milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC), 246 lactating goats (of various breeds and ages) from 14 field flocks situated at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar (Khordha) district of Odisha were screened for mastitis. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 69.9% with 63.0% for sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) and 6.9% for clinical mastitis (CM). Risk factor analysis pertaining to proportionate distribution among mastitis affected goats (n=172) showed a higher prevalence of mastitis in nondescript goats (−48%), 3 to 4 yr age group (56%), rainy season (57%), goats in larger flocks (85%), cement concrete floor (88%), 3rd lactation (51%), goats with heavy body weight (88%) and goats with history of multiple kidding (55%). There were neutrophilia and lymphopenia along with significant (p<0.05) decrease in sodium, chloride, total protein, globulin and glucose concentrations in mastitis does. Histopathology revealed both interlobular and intralobular fibrosis, replacement of mammary parenchyma with connective tissue proliferation and atrophy of glandular tissue. Alterations in milk composition showed a decrease in fat, solid-not-fat (SNF), lactose, acidity and specific gravity values in mastitis affected goat milk. The results of present study will be helpful for the clinician in assessing the disease severity and application of suitable disease management.

The effectiveness of biogenic silver nanoparticles in the treatment of caprine mastitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of the present study is to determine the efficiency of silver nanoparticles in mastitis treatment induced by Staphylococcus aureus, 20 lactating goats were infected intramammaryinoculated with 1.5×108 cfu/ml of virulence Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk of caprine mastitis and at 48hr post inoculation, the animals were divided randomly into four groups equally, 1st group left without treatment as control positive, 2nd group treated intramammaryinfusion with 5 ml Silver nanoparticle after 2h from infection daily for 3 consecutive days, 3rd group treated intramammaryinfusion with 5 ml Silver nanoparticle after 72h from infection daily for 3 consecutive days, 4th group treated intramammaryinfusion with 5 ml Silver nanoparticle mixed with gentamycin after 72h from infection daily for 3 consecutive days. The silver nanoparticles used in this study were created using a green method from Bacillus clausii. The Scanning electron microscope was spherical and homogeneous form, with a size range of 25 to 45 nm. Results showed severe clinical signs of the mammary gland with heavy bacterial isolation in 1st control groups at 3, 6-, 9-, 14- and 21-days post infection, while animals that were intramammary treated with Silver nanoparticle alone or combination with gentamycin showed a disappearance in clinical signs of the mammary gland and bacterial isolation, it was concluded that Silver nanoparticle had a strong action against mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Impacto econômico e aspectos epidemiológicos da mastite e artrite encefalite caprina na região semiárida do Nordeste Brasileiro

Dairy activity in the semi-arid region has gained prominence due to its profit potential; however, there are still sanitary problems that result in significant economic impact. Thus, this study aimed to assess the economic impact and to conduct an epidemiological study of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) and subclinical mastitis in dairy goat herds of the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil. The study proceeded with the collection of blood (n = 351) and milk samples (n = 321) from 15 rural properties with up to 50 animals, risk factor assessment, economic profile analysis, and georeferencing of the properties. The blood serum obtained was subjected to the AGID test. The milk samples were cultured on blood agar, and the reading was performed 24 hours after incubation. Overall, 3.4% of the animals were seropositive for CAE, and 15.8% were diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. 71.95% of the positive animals belonged to properties with a semi-intensive rearing system, weekly cleaning of the facilities, and no pre- or post-dipping. Subclinical mastitis caused by the main agent Staphylococcus spp. was associated with the breed type of the animals, highlighting two risk factors: purebred animals (OR = 12.52) and the milking performed close the soil (OR = 18.07). A reduction of up to 35.34% was observed in the income of dairy properties, constituting a considerable economic impact. Due to these sanitary problems, the economic impact demonstrates the need for a sanitary management program focused on these infirmities.

Systemic Meta-analysis of Mastitis Prevalence in Dairy Cattle and Goat of Bangladesh

Bovine and caprine mastitis is a dreadful bacterial disease that drastically lowers milk production, and presently it is spreading as an endemic pathogen throughout the world, including Bangladesh. Moreover, mastitis is the main impediment to Bangladesh’s tremendously rising milk-related industry and general livestock economy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to demonstrate the overall prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis in both dairy cows and goats. It is the foremost meta-analysis study regarding mastitis prevalence in Bangladesh and the study gathered the articles from the electronic database on the topic bovine and caprine mastitis published between January 2005 and November 2020. Finally, 33 articles were selected for estimating the overall prevalence rate of mastitis in ruminant (cow and goat) via random effect model estimation. Analyzing the result, the study found 43.0% (95% Cl: 37.0 - 50.0%) and 31.0% (95% Cl: 15.0 - 47.0%) prevalence rate in dairy cattle and goat. Statistically, the occurrence rate in Bangladesh is significantly higher than other countries. Although many studies showed the seroprevalence across different districts, this study demonstrates the aggregate incidence rates across Bangladesh as a whole. This paper may also serve as a reference point for the implementation of any control strategy of mastitis in Bangladesh.

Molecular Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Bacterial Pathogens from Bovine and Caprine Mastitis in Northern Lebanon.

Mastitis is an infectious disease encountered in dairy animals worldwide that is currently a growing concern in Lebanon. This study aimed at investigating the etiology of the main mastitis-causing pathogens in Northern Lebanon, determining their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and identifying their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. A total of 101 quarter milk samples were collected from 77 cows and 11 goats presenting symptoms of mastitis on 45 dairy farms. Bacterial identification was carried out through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Molecular characterization included polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for genes encoding extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC among Enterobacterales isolates, and virulence factors among Staphylococcus isolates. Escherichia coli isolates were subjected to phylogenetic typing by a quadruplex PCR method. The most frequently identified species were Streptococcus uberis (19.2%), Streptococcus agalactiae (15.1%), E. coli (12.3%), and Staphylococcus aureus (10.96%). Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to macrolides and tetracycline, whereas gram-negative bacteria displayed resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline. Two ESBL genes, blaTEM (83.3%) and blaOXA (16.7%), and one AmpC beta-lactamase gene, blaCMY-II (16.7%), were detected among six E. coli isolates, which mainly belonged to phylogenetic group B1. Among Staphylococcus spp., the mecA gene was present in three isolates. Furthermore, four isolates contained at least one toxin gene, and all S. aureus isolates carried the ica operon. These findings revealed the alarming risk of AMR in the Lebanese dairy chain and the importance of monitoring antimicrobial usage.

Proteomics characterization of Staphylococcus spp. from goat mastitis and phenogeno-typical assessment of resistance to beta-lactamics

ABSTRACT: Mastitis occupies a prominent place among the diseases that affect dairy herds due to economic problems and public health. Staphylococcus spp. are infectious agents more involved in the etiology of caprine mastites, especially coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Nineteen isolates of Staphylococcus spp. were obtained from subclinical caprine mastitis. All isolates were characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, being 47.36% (9/19) identified for S. epidermidis, 15.78% (3/19) for S. warneri, 10.52% (2/19) for S. aureus and S. caprae and 5.26% (1/19) for S. lugdunensis, S. simulans, and S. cohnii. All isolates characterized by MALDI-TOF were subjected a to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the 16S rRNA gene of Staphylococcus spp. to confirm the gender. After determining the species, tests for phenotypic detection of resistance to beta-lactams were carried out simple disk diffusion oxacillin, cefoxitin, penicillin G and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, agar “screen” oxacillin and microdilution (MIC) cefoxitin. The disk diffusion test showed a strength of 58% (11/19) for penicillin G, 26.31% (5/19) for cefoxitin and 26.31% (5/19) for oxacillin. All strains were susceptible to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and agar “screen” oxacillin. In the MIC, 63.15% (12/19) of the samples were cefoxitin resistant (MIC &gt;4.0μg/ml). Then isolates were subjected to detection of the mecA resistance genes and regulators (mecl and mecRI), mecC and blaZ. Two samples of Staphylococcus epidermidis had the mecA gene. All isolates were negative for the mecA gene variant, mecl, mecRI, mecC and blaZ. These findings reinforce the importance of this group of microorganisms in the etiology of subclinical mastitis in goats and open perspectives for future research to investigate the epidemiology of the disease.

HOST FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING GOATS AT CHATTOGRAM CITY CORPORATION AREAS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Mastitis is a multi-factorial and complex contagious disease of animal and public health importance associated with heavy economic loss in dairy industry worldwide. Some inland reports on the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) have been published but reports on clinical mastitis (CM) in lactating goats are very limited in Bangladesh. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of host factors associated with the prevalence of CM in lactating goats of Chattogram City Corporation areas (CCCA). Materials and Methods: This study included 100 selected lactating goats brought for treatment at the two Veterinary medical hospitals which include TVH, CVASU and Upazila Veterinary Hospital, CCCA in Bangladesh during the month of April 2019. The CM was diagnosed in each of the selected lactating goats by visual inspection and physical palpation methods of teat and udder and abnormalities of milk. Results: This study examined clinically 100 lactating goats brought for treatment at the two veterinary hospitals at the CCCA, of which 43.0% affected with CM. Host factors including breeds, age, parity and lactation periods were used to detect their influence on the prevalence of CM in lactating goats. Higher prevalence of CM was recorded in Jamnapari (48.21%) in comparison to crossbred (37.5%) and Black Bengal (33.33%) goats. Higher prevalence of CM was observed in goats aged between 3 and 4 years (53.66%) in comparison to &lt; 2 years (28.57%), 5-6 years (44.44%) and &gt;6 years (50.0%). Influence of parity on the higher prevalence of caprine mastitis was observed during 3 to 4 parities (58.06%), followed by &gt; 6 (28.57%) and &lt; 2 (26.67%) parities. Similarly higher prevalence of CM was recorded in late (60.0%) in comparison to mid (43.90%) and early (33.33%) lactations. Conclusions: An overall 43.00% prevalence of CM recorded in lactating goats at the CCCA where goats are mainly maintained in both semi-intensive and intensive management systems. This study showed some association exists between the host factors and prevalence of CM in lactating goats which suggests the need for prevention of mastitis in goats considering these host factors.

Bayesian latent class evaluation of three tests for the screening of subclinical caprine mastitis in Bangladesh.

Routine monitoring for subclinical infection is one of the key mastitis control approaches. However, the accuracy of the most commonly used screening tests has not yet been established. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the accuracy of three screening tests, namely California mastitis test (CMT), white side test (WST), and surf field mastitis test (SFMT) for the screening of subclinical caprine mastitis. A cross-sectional study based on 484 randomly collected milk (242 goats) samples from three districts of Bangladesh was conducted for the screening of subclinical mastitis by the aforementioned tests. The Bayesian latent class model was implemented in WinBUGS to estimate the tests' characteristics and true prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The Bayesian posterior estimates of sensitivities with a 95% credible intervals (CrIs) were 98.60% (95.18-99.95%), 98.28% (94.56-99.92%), and 89.98% (83.39-95.03%), and specificities with 95% CrIs were 99.19% (98.11-99.96%), 99.27% (97.34-99.98%), and 99.28% (97.35-99.98%), respectively for CMT, WST, and SFMT. The true prevalence of subclinical caprine mastitis was estimated to be 43.49% (95% CrI 37.46-48.98%). The positive predictive values (PPV) of the three tests were similar. The serial and parallel interpretation of any test pairs increased the PPV and negative predictive value respectively close to 100%. Based on the simplicity, cost and performance as well WST and SFMT simultaneously could be recommended for the screening of caprine subclinical mastitis in Bangladesh.

Study on prevalence and bacterial etiology of mastitis, and effects of subclinical mastitis and stage of lactation on SCC in dairy goats in Egypt.

In Egypt, inadequate information on prevalence and epidemiology of caprine mastitis is available. This study was designed to investigate prevalence and etiological agents of caprine mastitis and assess the efficacy of somatic cell count (SCC) as marker of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in dairy goats. This study was carried out on 249 randomly selected lactating goats in different lactation stages and examined clinically. Of these animals, 477 milk samples were aseptically collected and screened for bacterial carriage. SCC was assessed in 234 apparently normal milk samples, and SCC ≥ 106cells/ml was indicator for SCM. Prevalence of clinical mastitis (CM) was 33.73% and 16.87% at animal and udder-half levels, respectively. SCM was 52.56% in the apparently healthy halves. Culture results proved single infection in 49.69% of samples, mixed infection in 23.9% of samples, and 26.41% of samples were negative. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most predominant bacteria (58.75%), then Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (24.375%), and Streptococci (1.875%) were the least. No significant difference was recorded between mean of SCC in bacteriologically positive and negative samples, neither in those with SCC ≤ 106 nor with SCC ≥ 106cells/ml both in middle and late lactation stages. Besides, the percentage of animals harboring SCC ≥ 106cells/ml and negative for bacteriology in late lactation stage was 3 times (28.57%) more than in midlactation (9.3%). We can assume that SCC is not proper indicator for intra-mammary inflammation (IMI) in goats, and bacteriological examination remains more efficient, despites being time consuming and expensive.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SUB-CLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING BLACK BENGAL GOATS DETECTED BY USING INDIRECT AND DIRECT METHODS OF SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) has been reported to be more widely prevalent than clinical mastitis (CM) in lactating dairy animals and associated with heavy economic losses with changes in quality and quantities of milk worldwide. Several indirect and direct methods of Somatic cell count (SCC) are used to detect SCM in dairy animals but reports on their comparative evaluation are very limited in inland literature especially in goats. Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different indirect tests with direct microscopic milk SCC (DMMSCC) to detect the prevalence of SCM in lactating goats of smallholder and organized goat farms with their associated risk factors in Bangladesh Materials and Methods: Milk samples were collected aseptically from both halves (n = 140) of each of 70 apparently healthy lactating Black Bengal goats (BBG) at different stages of lactation from Rajshahi Goat Development Farm (RGDF; n = 20) and smallholder farms (n = 50) of adjacent villages of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus, Mymensingh during the period from July 2010 to June 2011. The White side test (WST), Surf field mastitis test (SFMT), California mastitis test (CMT) and DMMSCC were used to diagnose the SCM in milk samples as per instructions of the diagnostic methods. The potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of SCM were analyzed using multiple regression and uni-variable logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall an average of 30.0% prevalence of SCM was recorded in this study irrespective of the method used. The comparative evaluation of four milk screening tests for SCM showed higher efficacy with the WST (32.0%) and CMT (31.43%) in comparison to SFMT (28.0%) and DMMSCC (26.0%). The significantly higher prevalence of SCM was recorded in late lactation (37.90%), long teat (44.40%) and shortest teat end to floor distance (33.30%) in lactating goats. Uni-variable logistic regression analysis depicted that SCM was more prevalent in does with increased age, parity and during winter season. Conclusions: This study recorded comparatively higher efficacy with WST and CMT in comparison to SFMT and DMMSCC to detect SCM in lactating goats. It may be concluded that either WST or CMT along with bacterial culture of milk samples are required for accurate diagnosis of SCM in goats. Moreover, it may also be suggested to test the milk samples simultaneously of both the haves of lactating goats by using a single test to compare their results between the half for the detection of SCM. Some risk factors are found associated with the prevalence of SCM in goats and therefore, effective measures need to be required to improve these risk factors in both goat development farm and smallholder farm levels to control caprine mastitis in Bangladesh. Keywords: Black Bengal goats, Sub-clinical mastitis, Prevalence, Indirect tests, Direct somatic cell count, Goat farm, Smallholder farmers, Risk factors

Epidemiology and antibiogram of common mastitis-causing bacteria in Beetal goats.

Background and Aim:Mastitis has been identified as the most prevalent and economically imperative disease among dairy animals. Thus, understanding its common bacterial pathogens and risk factors is necessary to improve udder health at herd, region, or country level. However, scientific research on caprine mastitis, especially on Beetal breed, has remained to be insufficient in Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and antibiogram assay of common mastitis-causing bacterial agents, that is, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli, in dairy goats.Materials and Methods:In total, 500 Beetal goats, irrespective of age and those that were not treated with any kind of antimicrobial agents during the past 120 h, were screened using California Mastitis Test in Pattoki, Kasur District, whereas epidemiological factors were recorded. The milk samples of mastitic goats were then collected and processed using standard methods. Each sample was primarily cultured on nutrient agar. Using a specific medium, each bacterial colony was separated using several streak methods. Six antibiotic disks belonging to different antibiotic groups were used for antibiogram profiling of bacterial isolates. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of baseline characteristics and mastitis occurrence. Meanwhile, multivariable logistic regression (p<0.001) was utilized to determine the risk factors associated with positive and negative dichotomous outcome of mastitis.Results:The results revealed that the overall prevalence of goat mastitis was 309 (61.8%), in which 260 (52%) and 49 (9.8%) cases were positive for subclinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM), respectively. Streptococcus and E. coli were found to be the predominant isolates causing SCM and CM, respectively (p<0.001). It was observed that amoxicillin+clavulanic acid was highly sensitive to isolates of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and ceftiofur sodium to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli., while enrofloxacin was found to be sensitive to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli. Risk factors such as herd structure, deworming, vaccination, presence of ticks, use of teat dip and mineral supplements, feeding type, age, parity, housing, blood in the milk, milk leakage, milk taste, and milk yield were found to have the strongest association with mastitis occurrence, while ease of milking has moderate association.Conclusion:In the area examined, cases of SCM were found to be higher compared with that of CM, and ceftiofur sodium has been identified as the preferred treatment in both clinical and subclinical forms of caprine mastitis in Beetal goats. Risk factors for mastitis that was identified in this study can form the basis for the creation of an udder health control program specific for dairy goats. We hope our findings could raise awareness of the risk factors and treatment approaches for common mastitis-causing bacterial agents.

Coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in clinical mastitic goats in Bangladesh.

Background and Aim:Staphylococcus aureus is argued as one of the principal organisms responsible for mammary gland infection in lactating goats, causing both clinical and subclinical mastitis. Being highly zoonotic potential, pathogen emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has a significant clinical impact on treatment and management of clinical mastitis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of coagulase-positive S. aureus (CoPS), antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp., prevalence of MRSA, and association between different clinical parameters with CoPS.Materials and Methods:A total of 67 clinical mastitic goats were sampled based on clinical examination and California mastitis test. Standard bacteriological methods were performed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus spp. CoPS were confirmed by nuc gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All staphylococcal isolates were further examined for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method. MRSA was confirmed based on mecA gene-based PCR.Results:Here, 49 (73.13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 61.41-82.35) samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., of which 17 (34.69%; 95% CI, 22.88-48.73) isolates were CoPS and rest of the isolates (32; 65.30%; 95% CI, 51.27-77.12) were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (coagulase-negative staphylococci [CNS]). Both, CoPS and CNS isolates displayed the highest resistance against tetracycline (76.47% and 75%, respectively) and oxacillin (70.58% and 68.75%, respectively). Notably, all staphylococcal isolates were multidrug-resistant (showed resistance to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). mecA gene was found in 6 (8.96%; 95% CI, 3.84-18.52) CoPS isolates indicating MRSA strains. Among different clinical parameters, presence of high body temperature (p<0.05), firm udder consistency (p<0.01), bloodstained milk (p<0.00), and pus in milk (p<0.00) were significantly associated with the presence of CoPS in mastitic caprine milk.Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MRSA isolated from clinical caprine mastitis cases in Bangladesh. The findings of this study would help in cautious selection as well as administration of antimicrobials for therapeutic management of mastitic goats.

Study on the Conventional and Traditional Treatment of Caprine Mastitis

Ethnoveterinary practices are very common in Pakistan due to the poor socioeconomic status of the rural farmers. The traditional veterinary healers are therefore getting more attention from farmers. Thirty mastitic goats were selected and divided into five equal groups viz; A, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Groups were treated as A: control (no treatment), B1: parental injections of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and flunixinmaglumine, B2: trimethoprim with sulphadiazene and flunixinmaglumine, C1: oral treatment of Garlic (Allium Sativium L.) and Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.), C2: Purple fleabane (Centratherum Anthelmenticum) and Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.). The bacterial load of clinical mastitis before and after treatment was measured. The bacterial load was noticed significantly reduced in group B, followed by C compared with A at 7th and 14th day of conventional and traditional treatments respectively. Furthermore, on day 28th of trial the right teat bacterial load was significantly reduced in all treated groups vs control. Out of 1260 milk samples, the clinical and subclinical mastitis was observed in 65 (5.15%) and 226 (23.1 %) animals respectively. The temperature, pulse, respiration, udder circumference and cumulative bacterial load were elevated in untreated animals and on 0 day, which further subsides following treatment in different groups. The milk quantity was seriously reduced in mastitic goats, however some of the lost milk quantity was recovered following different treatments. It has been revealed that the medicinal plants can also be used effectively at very low cost but recovery is slow.

Antimicrobial activity of propolis extract fractions against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from goat mastitis

ABSTRACT: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of caprine mastitis causes the appearance of resistant microorganisms, besides leaving residues in milk, putting at risk to human health. In this way, propolis is an alternative in the treatment of diseases because it has antimicrobial activity, mainly because of the presence of flavonoids in its composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of propolis to Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from cases of goat mastitis and qualify the crude ethanoic extract by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, the minimum bactericidal concentration values of propolis extracts in ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane showed that the best concentrations capable of promoting the highest mortality of the isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from mastitis in goats, were 6250, 3125 and 1562.5μg/mL, respectively. By the microplate adherence test, it was found that 20.78% isolates were not able to form biofilm, 14.70% were classified as moderate and 64.70% were weak and none as a strong biofilm producer. Propolis in its different diluents was able to affect the formation of biofilm and showed a pronounced marked antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. strains and may be indicated for use in in vivo studies.